Day Thirty-Three: True Friendship with Christ
Friday, Fifth Week of Lent
Scripture Passage:
“You are my friends if you do what I command you. I no longer call you slaves, because a slave does not know what his master is doing. I have called you friends, because I have told you everything I have heard from my Father.” – John 15:14-15
Opening Reflection:
Friendship with Jesus is not merely about feeling close to Him; it is about living in obedience to His will. Unlike human friendships, where love is often conditional, the friendship Christ offers is rooted in His perfect love and truth. To be His friend, we must embrace the commands He gives us, which lead us into deeper unity with Him and with others. True friendship with Jesus is based on love and self-giving, just as He exemplified in His life on earth.
Meditative Reflection:
Jesus’ invitation to be His friends requires a deep commitment to following His will. Friendship with Jesus is not about fulfilling a set of rules but about aligning our hearts with His desires. His commands are not burdensome; rather, they are pathways to authentic love and joy. Through these commands, Jesus calls us to live in the truth, to love as He loves, and to serve others with a sacrificial heart. By doing this, we experience the true joy of being in communion with Him.
Reflecting on this, we realize that true friendship with Jesus invites us to give of ourselves in the same way He gave Himself for us. This type of love transforms not only our relationship with Him but also how we relate to others. As we become more attuned to His will, we begin to reflect His love and truth in all of our relationships, leading to lasting and meaningful connections.
Reflection Questions:
How does my friendship with Jesus shape the way I live? Do I obey His commands out of love, or do I view them as obligations? How can I deepen my friendship with Christ and reflect His love in my relationships with others?
Lenten Question:
Q: What makes Jesus’ friendship with us unique?
A: Unlike human friendships, Jesus’ friendship is grounded in perfect love and self-giving. His friendship calls us to live according to His truth and commands, which lead us to deeper joy and fulfillment. He is always faithful and will never abandon us.
Lenten Action:
Take some time today to reflect on your relationships, both with Christ and others. Are there areas where you can strengthen your friendship with Jesus through obedience to His will? Consider an act of selfless love you can offer to someone today as an expression of that friendship.
Concluding Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for calling me Your friend. Help me to live in obedience to Your commands and to love others with the same sacrificial love You showed me. Strengthen my relationship with You and guide me in becoming a true friend to those around me. Amen.
Resources for Lenten Prayers and Reflections:
Daily Saints and Reflections | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/
Lenten Reflections | EWTN | https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/reflections/lent
Lenten Prayers and Daily Reflections | My Catholic Life | https://mycatholic.life/lent-prayers-reflections/